2 Samuel 22:4,7 (NET) "I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I was delivered...In my distress I called to the LORD; I called to my God. He listened to my cry for help."
Right before David's death, he gave the following guidance to Solomon, "Do the job the LORD your God has assigned you by following his instructions and obeying his rules, commandments, regulations, and laws...Then you will succeed in all you do and seek to accomplish." 1 Kings 2:3 (NET)
In 1 Kings 12, we see that Rehoboam was made king of Israel after Solomon died. He had a choice to follow the wise counsel of the "older men" which would result in the Israelites supporting him. However, he ignored their wise counsel and listened to the advice from his peers. This ultimately resulted in Rehoboam losing the majority of his kingdom and power. Before we make decisions, let's seek advice from people who are wiser than us - not our peers.
In 1 Kings 18, we see the account of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Elijah began his test with prayer in verses 36-37 (NET) "O LORD God prove today that you are God and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know you are the true God."
Psalm 27:14 (NET) "Rely on the LORD! Be strong and confident! Rely on the LORD!"
King Rehoboam was not a good king at all; however, he did humble himself and repent a few times - which benefited him and his country. 2 Chronicles 12:12 (NET) "So when Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD relented from his anger and did not annihilate him; Judah experienced some good things."
King Hezekiah was a good king and the Lord blessed him. "He trusted in the LORD God of Israel...he was loyal to the LORD and did not abandon him. He obeyed the commandments which the LORD had given to Moses. The LORD was with him; he succeeded in all his endeavors." 2 Kings 18:5-7 (NET)
1 Chronicles begins with lots of names, genealogies, etc. Within this information, there are some descriptions of people.
- Judah had a son Er - he "displeased the LORD, so the LORD killed him." (2:3)
- Achan "brought the disaster on Israel when he stole what was devoted to God." (2:7)
- The Gadites "cried out to God during the battle; he responded to their prayers because they trusted him. (5:20)
Sadly, the final words about King Saul are these: "So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD and did not obey the LORD's instructions...he did not seek the LORD's guidance, so the LORD killed him and transferred the kingdom to David." 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (NET)
King David was a very good example of someone who took time to thank and praise the Lord. A few examples of this show up in 1 Chronicles 16. "Give thanks to the LORD!...make known his accomplishments...tell about all his miraculous deeds...recall the miraculous deeds he performed, his mighty acts" (vs. 8-12 NET). In 17:20 he also acknowledges "O LORD, there is none like you."
King David was a very good example of someone who took time to thank and praise the Lord. A few examples of this show up in 1 Chronicles 16. "Give thanks to the LORD!...make known his accomplishments...tell about all his miraculous deeds...recall the miraculous deeds he performed, his mighty acts" (vs. 8-12 NET). In 17:20 he also acknowledges "O LORD, there is none like you."
